Final journey of Adinno Phizo to her birth place, Khonoma village on October 10. (Morung Photo)
NNC declares seven days of mourning
Chizokho Vero
Kohima | October 10
Nagaland today paid final respect to the departed Naga leader Adinno Phizo at a funeral ceremony held at ABCC Mission Compound ground, Kohima. She was later laid to rest at Dzüsie, Khonoma village.
National procession and Guard of honour was accorded by Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and Naga National Council (NNC).
Adinno Phizo served as president of NNC from April 30, 1990 to October 8, 2026. She passed away on October 8 at Bethel Hospital, Kohima after a brief illness.
During funeral ceremony, NNC Acting President Kegwanye Kent announced, “In respect of her dedicated life to the nation and sacrifices made, the nation shall observe seven days of mourning during which, the national flag shall fly at half mask.”
The passing of Adinno Phizo was an irreplaceable loss to the Naga nation, he noted.
“She was the epitome of the nation and the custodian of our political legacy. For over thirty years, she carried the weight of the nation, never wavering from the principles laid down by her father and our legendary leader A Z Phizo,” Kent said.
“Let us honour her by our unity and walk in her footsteps,” he added.
‘Lost a jewel of our nation’
FGN Kedahge (President) Kezha Angami said the demise of Adinno was a great loss to the Naga nation, who shouldered the responsibility of “Our nation with grit, honour and integrity.”
“She lived through some of the hardest and most tumultuous periods of our national history, yet she never wavered in her commitment. Rather, she stood firm and upright, carrying herself with grace and humility, and leading with the steadfastness of a leader and the motherly love of a woman deeply devoted to her beloved country,” Kezha said.
“In her death, we have lost a jewel of our nation-a faithful, unwavering, and devoted leader whose life was marked by unwavering commitment and service,” he added.
Steadfast and resolute leader
Talking on National reflection, Takuyaba Longkumer, Ao Region, NNC, recalled the 1951 Naga Plebiscite which registered 99.9% mandate for sovereignty through thumb impressions under the presidentship of AZ Phizo. ‘NNC will uphold the 1951 Naga Plebiscite in totality,’ he avowed.
Ato Zhimomi, Midan Peyu, Sumi Region FGN, described Adinno Phizo as a steadfast and resolute leader who stood firm during “one of the most challenging periods in the Naga struggle for self-determination.”
He noted that as a proud daughter of Khonoma village, a place of great historical significance in the Naga national movement, she devoted her life to upholding the rights, dignity, and political aspirations of the Naga people.
Zhimomi said she remained steadfast in defending what she believed were the inherent and inalienable rights of the Nagas, rights generations have defended through immense sacrifice, suffering, blood, and tears.
He added that her departure leaves a profound void in the Naga national movement, and her legacy will be difficult to replace.
‘Significant figure’
Angami Public Organisation (APO) President Thejao Vihienuo said, “The journey embarked by Adinno Phizo was a testament to perseverance and an unwavering belief in her principles. At a time when political leadership in the Naga society was almost entirely dominated by men, she demonstrated that leadership was not determined by gender, but by the one's convictions and the courage to act upon them.”
He said that Phizo was a leader who did not shy away from difficult decisions, and her uncompromising approach earned her both devoted supporters and determined critics.”
Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) President Vezuhu Keyho described Adinno as true daughter of the Naga Nation, who served as NNC president for more than three and a half decades.
He said that the torch that was handed over to her was held high and firm under her able leadership and unwavering stand on the ideology and vision of the NNC and principles of National Government.
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) President Mteisuding Heraang said, “The passing of Adinno marks an era of remarkable chapter in the history of Naga people. Having assumed leadership of NNC following the demise of her father in 1990, she carried forward the legacy, the historical and the political legacy for more than three decades.”
Heraang said that her enduring association with the Naga movement and her steadfast of the organization placed her the significant figure in the contemporary history of the Naga people.
A legacy that will inspire generations
Ministering the funeral service, Rev Dr Rachülie Vihienuo, Executive Director, Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) said, “Today, we celebrate her story of resilience, courage, wisdom, love for the Naga nation and faith in God,” adding ‘such legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.’
Jasazzo Phizo, youngest son of AZ Phizo spoke on behalf of the family while Naga National Funeral Committee expressed gratitude to each and every individual for their support and love.
The funeral ceremony was led by Prof Rosemary Dzüvichü.
Several condolence messages received from various quarters including Nagaland’s Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Khonoma Village Council, Kohima Village Council, The Global Naga Forum, Eastern Nagaland Women Organization, minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse, MP S Supongmeren Jamir, NSCN GPRN, Eastern Naga Students Association, Rengma Hoho, Tenyimi Union Nagaland, Kuki Inpi Nagaland, Chakhesang Youth Front, minister KG Kenye, Tenyimi Women Union Nagaland, Yimkhiung Tribal Council, Naga People’s Front, Mao Hoho Nagaland, Tangkhul Naga Long, Mao Union Kohima, Nagaland Baptist Church Council, MLA P Longon, Central Nagaland Tribes Council, Pochury Hoho, Southern Angami Public Organization, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, Naga Mothers’ Association etc.
The final journey to her birth place Khonoma and the birth place of AZ Phizo (Father of Naga Nation) was escorted by members of Northern Angami Youth Organization and Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland alongwith NNC, FGN officials, family members and Naga public.
The final journey to her birth place Khonoma and the birth place of AZ Phizo (Father of Naga Nation) was escorted by members of Northern Angami Youth Organization and Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland alongwith NNC, FGN officials, family members and Naga public.
